With a little Bean on the way in just a couple of weeks, Mr. Pinky Bean and I have admittedly been all-consumed with getting ready for our new arrival, which has meant months of reading, taking prenatal classes and just generally getting ready to tackle the enormous job of parenthood. Almost as overwhelming as the prospect of multiple feedings, dirty diapers and endless piles of laundry is trying to figure out what exactly a baby needs. Perusing the aisles of your local big-box store can be daunting as it seems there is a product available  for every type of situation or occurrence you could possibly find yourself in with a baby.

However a recent neighborhood garage sale spree revealed on very obvious thing: parents will buy their kids just about anything if it promises even the slightest chance of keeping them well-fed, dry or content. Maybe it's naive to think this as first-time parents, but we started to wonder just how much of this equipment we'll actually need. Since blindly visiting a store only succeeded in overwhelming us with all the possible options, we decided to find a checklist and work from there, weeding out what we thought the essentials would be, and which purchases could wait or be eliminated entirely. Below you'll see our assessment, but feel free to argue for or against any of these items (or add any we missed). Our only goal in this process was to hopefully avoid buying a whole lot of junk we (and the baby!) don't need, that will more than likely end up as clutter in our home, eventually landing in a giveaway pile, or worse (gulp), a landfill.

The musts

Crib - Sure, there are some parents who are comfortable allowing their babies to sleep in bed with them, however several sources caution about the dangers of doing so, including possible over-heating or suffocation. Mr. PB and I are sound sleepers and tend to toss, turn and roll over at night - in other words, hardly the ideal environment for a tiny infant. However, a brand-new crib was looking to cost the same as the monthly rent for a small apartment (with utilities included!). We attempted to strike a fair balance by purchasing a used crib, only after ensuring the one we found had no safety recalls and met the safety standards outlined by Health Canada. The bonus? We were able to get a matching dresser that also acts as a change table and can be used well beyond the baby years. And both pieces cost about one-third of buying each brand-new.

Bassinet - Of all of our purchases, this was one of the most contentious. After all, if you're buying a crib, why would you need another place for the baby to sleep? Several acquaintances pointed out the benefits, including being able to wake up for feedings before baby becomes hysterical and even being able to comfort them back to sleep if they start to become fussy, but don't necessarily need to eat or be changed. However spending $200 on something the baby would only use for an average of three months seemed like a lot of money, even with plans to have another child in the future. If you want the benefits of a bassinet without the issue of clutter, consider borrowing from a friend or buying a used one and then passing it along to another family when you're finished using it.

Car seat - Britney Spears may have once thought driving with her baby on her lap was acceptable, but you'll be hard-pressed to find many parents or safety experts who agree. The bottom line is, most hospitals won't even discharge you and your little one if you don't have a car seat (and one that's properly installed!). Obviously if you don't have a car, this is a moot point, but if your child will be riding with you or anyone at any point, this is a non-negotiable item. And unfortunately, purchasing a used one from a stranger also presents risks, as any car seat involved in any type of vehicle accident should not be used for safety reasons. Bottom line: this is something you may have to bite the bullet and buy, new unless you happen to know (and more importantly, trust!) someone who can provide a used one and guarantee it has never been involved in an accident. The good news? As long as it remains in pristine condition and has no safety recalls, you should be able to keep and use the same one if you have another baby down the road, or can pass it along to someone who trusts you.

If the car seat is starting to look a little worse for wear, consider adding an eco-friendly car seat cover, such as the bamboo options from Itzy Ritzy.

Sling/Baby carrier - Strollers may not be a must (see below), but having a hands-free option of transporting your baby sure is. The mere thought of carrying a growing baby around a farmers' market or on a nice, leisurely stroll is almost enough to make the arms actually start aching. Plus there will inevitably be chores to be done at home that will be neglected if the baby is fussy and just wants to be close to mom or dad. Then of course there is also the fact that close contact is soothing and comforting to a baby, something many parents argue is a necessity. There are a whole lot of options here, from the popular Baby Bjorn carriers to greener options such as one of the Baby Buddha organic bamboo slings.

The maybes

Stroller - Unlike a car seat, strollers are negotiable simply because there are other ways to carry your baby around, such as the aforementioned carriers and slings. Strollers can range in price, from less than $200 to we-may-have-to-refinance-our-home-to-afford-this. They can be heavy, bulky and awkward, but they can also be a godsend for those who do a lot of walking but choose not to participate in baby-wearing. This is another purchase you can peruse online classified ads to find used, or look for at your local second-hand shop. If you do go for a used option, be sure to watch for possible safety issues such as overall sturdiness, working brakes and broken wheels. Follow the same advice for used cribs and be sure to check for any safety recalls of the model you are considering.

Breast pump - If you're planning to breastfeed, you may or may not require a pump. Many professional resources recommend waiting until you determine your milk supply and allow your baby to become accustomed to your breast before attempting to use a bottle since it can cause nipple confusion. However, if your baby can't latch properly and you still want him or her to reap the health benefits of breast milk, pumping may be your best option. While popular Medela pumps can run you close to $400, you can often rent one if you'll only need it for a shorter period. Unfortunately this is another item where used options carry certain risks, such as the presence of harmful organisms or contamination.

Change table - The average baby will need to be changed anywhere from eight to 12 times per day, but that still doesn't necessarily mean you'll need a change table. Many parents find it simpler to simply change their baby on the floor or other surfaces such as the couch or bed. In these cases, a good changing pad such as the vinyl-free ones from Parenting by Nature will work just as well. For your added convenience, you can simply fold it up and take it on the go with you, something you definitely can't do with a change table. For far less money, you buy a couple to keep around the house and to travel with you.

The Are-You-Kidding-Mes

Toys - No one is suggesting you deprive your baby of playtime, however the recent garage sale excursion turned up toys of every imaginable size, shape and color. In fact the sheer amount of abandoned toys was almost mind-boggling. And unfortunately once a toy is broken, the most common home for it is the trash can and eventually the landfill. Many parental acquaintances have shared that their young children are just as happy banging a wooden spoon against a pot as they are with the latest expensive (usually plastic!) noise-maker the stores are selling. Opt for a couple non-toxic wooden toys, such as the adorable Wiggling Worm Grasping Toy by Melissa and Doug. Chances are your six-month old won't notice if he has two toys or an overflowing box of them. In fact, he or she will probably have one or two favorites and neglect the rest anyway.

Gadgets - Simply saying "gadgets" sounds miscellaneous - and it is. However, the fact is, there are so many items companies invent and claim are "must-haves" that discerning parents have to learn when to say no on their own. Sure this equipment looks cool and it's easy to get caught up in the momentum of a trend, but start asking yourself if - and more importantly, why - you need something if you're tempted to pick it up. For example the UpSpring Baby Walking Wings Learning to Walk Assistant (no joke, that is the product's full name) may look handy, but suffice it to say, millions upon millions of babies have learned to walk without one.

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